By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond is marking a momentous birthday on August 9—its 120th—and local businesses are hosting their own celebrations around the city over Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10.
“Conversations really started with 1905apparel and The Backyard a few months ago [about] how we could get small businesses in Richmond to help create a city-wide celebration all weekend long,” said Tom Lyons, co-owner of The Factory Bar.
Special events surrounding the citywide celebration will take place at businesses throughout the city, starting with 1905apparel’s “The 120 Party” kick-off event at The Backyard Thursday, August 7 from 5-7 p.m. on Richmond’s actual birthday. That night, the apparel company, founded by Andrew and Chris Whitmore, will have a limited-edition merch drop of hats created just for the event, as well as live music, according to Lyons and the Whitmores.
The Whitmore brothers said the special edition hat is part of “The 120 Series,” and depicts “1905” in large numbers on the front of it with “Richmond, California, Pride & Purpose” on the left side and “120 Years” on the right side. “To stay on theme, 1905apparel will only sell 120 of these hats, making them a bit of a collectors’ item,” they said.
“1905apparel and The Backyard are thrilled to bring the community together to celebrate Richmond and the residents who make our city a great place to be,” the Whitmore brothers told the Standard. “We invite the entire community to come out and join us for a great evening.
Another spot joining in the citywide birthday party is the Richmond Museum of History & Culture (RMHC), which will host a festive Open House Saturday, August 9 from 1-4 p.m. at its home in Richmond. The museum’s iconic sister site, the S.S. Red Oak Victory (ROV), will host its “Summer Pancake Breakfast” aboard the ship Sunday, August 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As for The Factory Bar—home of the “fanciful” Richmond Historical Society—it hosts its monthly “Boozy Brunch” with Pickles N Smoke and live music by The Quinn Monteiro Trio on Sunday, August 10. Rewinding a bit, the bar is also celebrating its own 5th birthday with DJ Tok@Ritmo providing tunes on Friday, August 8, and live music by Celestial Hotties and a raffle benefiting the RMHC and ROV on Saturday, August 9 (Drawings will take place between 5-7 p.m.).
Raffle prizes include historic Richmond photos courtesy of the museum; passes to take two Engine Room tours on the ROV ship; passes for two to the Summer Pancake Breakfast on the ROV; and more. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the bar or the museum’s Open House. Bonus entries can be earned by following the museum, @richmondmuseum, and ship, @redoakvictory, on social media; one bonus entry per follow, with pickup at the museum’s Open House.
Lyons said many of the participating small businesses have donated items to the raffle as well, such as coffee from Catahoula Coffee, BBQ from Pickles N Smoke, growler fills from Origin Brewer, Richmond merchandise from 1905apparel and The Richmond Historical Society and other goodies. Businesses wanting to support the raffle or participate can contact [email protected].
“The Factory Bar has always shared a birthday with Richmond, although we are a bit younger, turning 5 this year. We’ve always made the celebration of Richmond a part of our annual event. This one just happens to be a bit bigger,” said Lyons.
Evelyn Santos, executive director of the Richmond Museum Association, stated that this birthday is more than a celebration of years—it’s a call to invest in a Richmond cultural institution that keeps Richmond’s stories alive–but also to be part of Richmond’s history. “Join us in celebrating Richmond’s past by supporting its future.”
Check out the rundown of Richmond birthday celebrations at the venues listed below:
Thursday, August 7
- The Backyard (205 Cutting Blvd.): 1905 Apparel merch drop & live music, 5–7 p.m.
- Biancoverde (50 Washington Ave): Eugene Barnes, Nat King Cole Tribute, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8
- The Factory Bar (12517 San Pablo Ave): DJ Tok@Ritmo, 5–7 p.m.
- Point Richmond Summer Music Festival (Park Place & Washington Ave): 5:30–8 p.m.
- Biancoverde: Michael Adachi Jazz, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Mi Casa Grill (12056 San Pablo Ave): Tequila Tasting and live music, 6–8 p.m.
- Los Cenzontles! (13108 San Pablo Ave): Music, films and tostadas, 7–9:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 9
- Richmond Museum of History & Culture: Open House, 1–4 p.m.
- The Factory Bar 5-Year Celebration: Live music, Celestial Hotties and raffle, 5–7 p.m.
- Biancoverde: George Tingley on piano, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Mi Casa Grill: Brunch with live music, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sunday, August 10
- SS Red Oak Victory (1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 5): Summer Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Mi Casa Grill: Brunch with live music, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- The Factory Bar’s Boozy Brunch w/Pickles N Smoke: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Windchaser Wine Co. (1352 S 49th St.): Rocky Island Oysters & Pizza, The Neverly Brothers, 4–6 p.m.
- El Agave Azul (12955 San Pablo Ave.): Jazmin Oro Live, 3–5 p.m.
- East Brother Beer Co. (1001 Canal Blvd.): Food trucks, live music, $1 off pints for Richmond Business Apparel, 5 p.m.–close.
